Stephanie M. Johnson, Educator

🚨 UPDATE: The Senate has passed a motion introduced by Sen. Shane Massey to withdraw all amendments and move forward with a 2nd reading vote on the congressional map.

Democratic lawmakers tell our Stephen Biddix they always believed the real fight would come Tuesday during 3rd reading — and say that became clear during a recess earlier today.

Sen. Massey also told WIS there was no reason to “waste everyone’s weekend” on extended debate today because the timeline was not going to change. He says 3rd reading was always expected to happen Tuesday regardless of how long senators stayed in session today.

Important developments from today:

🚨 Sen. Massey questioned the House-passed map on the Senate floor, saying it contains inaccurate precinct boundaries — including precincts that no longer exist.

🚨 Senate debate will resume Tuesday at 11 a.m. — after early in-person voting begins at 8:30 a.m.

🚨 According to the South Carolina Election Commission, more than 10,000 absentee ballots have already been mailed, more than 4,000 have been returned, and delaying congressional primaries could cost taxpayers more than $5 million.

Bottom line: expect a long day — and a major political fight — on Tuesday.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the strength, compassion, and leadership of mothers and women leaders whose guidance shapes our families, communities, and future. I’m reflecting on beautiful moments we shared on Thursday, April 30, 2026, as we celebrated our NEA President Becky Pringle.

These photos capture so much more than a single day—they reflect the beauty and spirit of a mother, the depth of dedication, and the kind of passion that comes from a life rooted in service. It’s a reminder that motherhood shows up in many forms: in leadership, in advocacy, and in the quiet strength that lifts others every day.

Today, I honor that spirit—the nurturing, the resilience, and the unwavering commitment to making a difference. 💐

Happy Mother’s Day to all who embody this love and purpose.

📸: Blutouch Photography

On May 1, 2026, thousands of people across the U.S. came together for the nationwide May Day protests. Being part of such a powerful, collective moment with people from all over the country left me feeling emotional, energized, inspired, and deeply empowered.

📸:Blutouch Photography

Spending time on Capitol Hill advocating as a single-state NEA Director can sometimes feel both empowering and, at times, a little different. You carry your state, educators, and students with you into every conversation—and that responsibility is real.

But moments like this remind me I’m never truly doing this work alone.

I’m SO grateful for the messages, encouragement, and stories from my The SCEA and South Carolina family, our leaders, and our phenomenal colleagues and NEAFamily. Your support means more than I can put into words.

It is a powerful reminder that even when I’m walking the halls of Congress, I’m backed by a strong, passionate union family that believes in this work just as deeply as I do.

Together, we show up. Together, we advocate. Together, we make a difference!!

Thank you for standing with me. I LOVE THIS WORK & I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!💙✊🏽

📸: Blutouch Photography
Stephanie M. Johnson, Educator

A Columbia-area high school runs one of only 6 CDL programs of its kind in the country; companies are paying attention A local high school runs one of only six high school CDL programs in the country, and hundreds of thousands of truck driver openings are expected each year.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to call, text, post, or message me for my birthday—I truly appreciate it! I had the pleasure of celebrating with Mira Education at the UofSC Champions of Education Gala alongside my UofSC and education family. Feeling incredibly blessed.

Check out my feature regarding Read Across America!

Read Across America at H. B. Rhame Elementary school District and community leaders spent the morning reading with students and talking about the importance of literacy.

I am so excited about Read Across America Week, March 2-6, 2026!